India advocates tech transfer between Global South and North: Yadav

India, as a voice of Global South, believes that to fight climate change, developing countries need financial assistance, said Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Bhupendra Yadav

India is linking the Global South and Global North as the effects of climate change transcend borders while advocating for technology transfer and capacity building for developing countries or vulnerable nations, also known as the Global South, said Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav.

 

 At the second edition of Business Standard Manthan on Thursday, Yadav said: “Climate change affects both the Global South and the Global North. Storms, rain, drought, etc., affect both. Energy is a big issue. Electricity and energy were invented 300–400 years ago, and their (Global North’s) emissions are higher. To reduce emission intensity, all countries need to achieve net zero. But there should be access to energy for everyone because everyone has the right to a dignified life. When everyone needs to upgrade to advanced technology, they need two things — that sort of technology and financial resources to afford those technologies.” 

“Countries with the highest historical emissions committed to bridging the gap. India, as a voice of the Global South, believes that to fight climate change, developing countries need financial assistance and technology support. Second, we should set up a climate action-oriented forum.” 

“India not only wants financial support and technology transfer for the Global South but is also running a climate action programme that includes capacity building, knowledge sharing, best practices, and a road map for the future. This is how India is linking the Global North and Global South,” the minister added. 

On building consensus that prioritises developing nations, Yadav said, “Every country has its socio-economic background, and when we are in an international forum for climate talks, we keep trying to reach a consensus that considers all 

countries’ voices.” 

There are different groups like Least Developed Countries, Like-Minded Developing Countries, African Group, Arab Group, and umbrella groups. Consensus yielded the Paris Agreement, the loss and damage fund, the global stocktake, and the CBDR (common but differentiated responsibilities) principles, among other outcomes at international climate summits over the years.  “India is committed to knowledge sharing. India always wants to be part of the solution to climate change,” the minister reiterated. 

As foreign reports and studies are often prioritised over domestic ones in highlighting the urgency of climate change mitigation, adaptation issues, and economic losses, Yadav said, “The problem is that domestic studies and documents are reviewed far less than foreign ones. All data and studies are available; you need to look them up.” 

To substantiate his statement, Yadav cited a substantial increase in India’s forest cover, tiger population, Ramsar sites, and eco-sensitive zones, along with gross domestic product (GDP) growth over the past decade. 

“India is progressing ecologically and economically simultaneously,” the minister highlighted. 

India has made sizeable strides in tackling climate change, notably achieving a substantial reduction in its emissions intensity of GDP by 33 per cent compared to 2005 levels — far exceeding its initial target — and increasing its share of non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity to 45 per cent by 2021, well ahead of its 2030 goal. This demonstrates India’s success in decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions while also actively expanding its renewable energy capacity and creating additional carbon sinks through increased forest cover, according to official statements. 

The country is combating climate change through its electric vehicle (EV) initiatives, most notably with the ‘EV30@30’ goal, which aims to achieve 30 per cent EV sales by 2030. This reflects strong growth in EV adoption and contributes to reducing carbon emissions by promoting cleaner transportation options. Policies incentivising EV purchases and the development of charging infrastructure support this transition. 

India, in collaboration with France, set up the International Solar Alliance, headquartered in Gurugram, with 137 member countries. Knowledge sharing, capacity building, and renewable energy are major parts of its programme. To address natural disasters, India and England launched the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, focusing on capacity building for both the Global South and the Global North.

  To push hard-to-abate industries towards green energy, India partnered Sweden to create Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). At COP28 (28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the second phase of this initiative.

  “Countries where the seven big cat species are found recognise the need for their preservation and conservation. Hence, the International Big Cat Alliance was announced with support from 27 countries,” the minister said. 

He also added that during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India launched another multilateral body, the Global Biofuels Alliance.

As the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) aimed at developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution failed to yield a consensus, Yadav said that India has already banned single-use plastic and is working on alternatives through the seven themes of the LiFE (Livelihood Inclusion and Financial Empowerment) mission: save water, save energy, reduce waste, reduce electronic waste, minimise single-use plastic, adopt sustainable food systems, and embrace healthy lifestyles.